The Odinson is not unused to treachery, though it is in his nature to be honest and plain-dealing. Unfortunately, that does nothing to soften the pain when he does feel the sting of betrayal. It will also do nothing to protect him from a former ally seeking vengeance in Thor #2.
Written by Al Ewing, with art by Pasqual Ferry, Thor #2 continues the story of amnesiac construction worker Sigurd Jarlson. Sigurd remembers little of his past, save that he is good with a hammer and dislikes bullies. This puts him into conflict with the Thunder Gods, a neo-Nazi biker gang who claim to worship the Norse deities.
Sigurd tracks the Thunder Gods to their favorite bar and smites them with a ferocity worthy of the true God of Thunder. The gang, who had been working as strike-breakers for the Roxxon Corporation, pass word of this to their bosses. They, in turn, contact their bosses and are referred to a man who is referred to as ‘the head of the snake” and someone who handles “unconventional options.” The final page reveals this man, who walks with a cane with a golden snake-head handle, as Donald Blake – the one-time host of Thor.
Why Donald Blake turned against Thor explained
This revelation may be confusing to those who only recall Donald Blake as Thor’s secret identity. For many years, Dr. Donald Blake was a mortal man who seemingly transformed into Thor. However, retcons revealed Blake as a simulacrum, created by Odin to conceal the spirit of his favorite son. There never was a real Donald Blake.
This dark secret was revealed to Blake by Jormungand, the great serpent destined to kill Thor at Ragnarok in 2020’s Thor Vol. 6 #10. The villain hoped to turn Blake into his pawn against Asgard, and granted him a fraction of his power. Unfortunately, Blake used that power, coupled with his connection to the Odinforce, to slay Jormungand and claim all his power for himself.
Since that time, Blake has also claimed the abandoned mantle of the God of Lies. For a time, Loki was able to bind him under Asgard. Unfortunately, Blake escaped, swearing revenge on all of Asgard. His ultimate fate following that was unclear. However, it would seem that he made his way to Earth, and has allied with the forces at Roxxon seeking Thor’s destruction.
Thor #2 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
